Dumbbell resistance device

ABSTRACT

The present invention features a dumbbell resistance device that consist of a U-shaped member that has a first handle opening at one end of the U and a second handle opening at the other end of the U. A handle portion slides through the first handle opening of the U-shaped member and at least partially into the second handle opening of the U-shaped member. A handle cover surrounds the handle portion. An attachment device is coupled to one end of the handle portion at the second handle opening in order to secure the handle portion to the U-shaped member. A pair of weights is attachable and detachable to the outer sides of the U-shaped member. The connection of the weights is preferably a bayonet connection or another suitable connection means. The U-shaped member further features a resistance band attachment location at the middle of the U, which is capable of accepting attachment of a resistance band attachment mechanism that is connected to a resistance band. The U-shaped member and handle portion form a solid connection that rotates independently from the handle cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/250,240 entitled “Dumbbell Resistance Device” filed on Oct. 9, 2009 and incorporated fully herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to athletic training and exercise equipment and more particularly, to a dumbbell resistance device that couples a modified dumbbell apparatus with a resistance cable, which provides for comprehensive weight and resistance training.

BACKGROUND

Traditional dumbbells consist of a short bar with two round balls or disks on each end of the bar. The round balls or disks are typically of identical weight. Dumbbells are generally used for muscular development, weight training and for general exercise. Typically dumbbells are associated with strength training. Today dumbbells come in many shapes, sizes and combinations. Dumbbells are sometimes referred to as free weights and are often used in pairs, with a user holding a dumbbell in each hand.

There are various types of dumbbells and each type is used for slightly different athletic training. First, there are fixed-weight dumbbells that are the typical generic shaped dumbbell and are typically made from metal, plastic, rubber, or some combination. Often these dumbbells have a filler material that comprises the weight of the dumbbell, which can be sand, water, concrete, metal, or another substance. Other dumbbells are larger adjustable weight dumbbells, such as those used for bench presses and other weight exercises. These dumbbells consist of a metal bar and removable plate-shaped weights that can be interchanged on the ends of the metal bar. Finally, some exercise equipment uses a weight interchange system that allows for mechanical changing of the weight by the turning of a dial or the moving of a selector pin from weight to another weight. This allows a user to easily select the appropriate weight and to reduce or increase the weight without physically removing or adding weights. Typically these weight interchange systems are very large pieces of equipment that include stands to store the weights when they are not in use.

Resistance training is a term that is used widely in athletic and exercise fields, often with varying meanings. Resistance training can broadly encompass the use of dumbbells that is associated with strength training. Resistance training can also refer to the use of elastic or hydraulic resistance, such as what is seen with resistance bands. Resistance exercises are used to increase the strength and size of muscles by overloading the musculoskeletal system.

Resistance bands are often used in resistance training. Resistance bands use elastic tension to provide resistance to a user. When using a resistance band, each effort completed by a user is completed against the force that is generated by the resistance band. Resistance bands can have widely varying strengths, from easily stretchable bands that provide minimum resistance, to highly taut bands that provide maximum resistance. Due to the wide range of resistance that is possible in a resistance band, any user can find an appropriate band and can change the bands as their workout routine progresses. The wide range of resistance provides flexibility in the training process and allows resistance bands to be a good choice for both beginners as well as advanced athletes. One of the benefits of resistance bands is that they allow for resistance from an almost unlimited direction, which provides for more variety in a workout. The variety provided by resistance bands allows for positioning in multiple ways in order to change how the exercise feels or how the body works. Resistance bands also improve coordination and balance, as the bands provide tension throughout the entire range of movement, which requires significant body stabilization.

Each muscle group has a range of motion in which the muscle goes from a relaxed and extended phase to a contracted and flexed stage. Within each range of motion of any given muscle, there are weaker angles and stronger angles of flexion. The problem with consistent resistance (as provided by traditional dumbbells) is that the person can use a given weight and work through the weak angle with the given weight, which means that there is not enough of a challenge to the muscle once the muscle reaches its strongest contraction angle. For example, the biceps can exert maximal strength at 100 degrees of elbow flexion, but the biceps are much weaker at 60 degrees and 180 degrees (the end ranges).

Strength training and resistance training both provide significant health and physical benefits to people who complete the exercises. The exercises strengthen and tone muscles and increase bone mass. A combination of both exercises provides both isometric and isotonic results, which allows the muscle to work at maximal efficiency throughout the entire range of motion without giving the muscle a chance to relax during each repetition. The dual resistance created by strength and resistance training creates a more constant and effective eccentric or return phase, which incorporates more muscle fibers and keeps the motion smooth and deliberate. Most people use the eccentric phase as a time to rest and let the weight just fall, while the muscle relaxes. In a dual resistance method, the weight is not allowed to simply fall, and the movement is even and measured. This eccentric phase is a very important component of muscle training as most injuries occur during this phase when the exercise motions are not performed slowly and deliberately. Most equipment that has provided both strength and resistance training is very large, bulky and expensive. The large pieces of equipment are difficult to move and hard to store.

More recently, athletes and people who exercise have sought to combine strength training with resistance training in a simpler device. Some have tied the ends of resistance bands to the bar of a dumbbell and completed exercises with this makeshift device. This device has multiple flaws. First, the resistance band is not properly secured, which can cause safety issues when the resistance band is pulled. Second, typing the resistance band around the bar of the dumbbell hinders the user from properly gripping the dumbbell and properly using the dumbbell. Third, the knotting or typing of the resistance band around the bar of the dumbbell causes awkward angles and kinks when the user turns their wrist or exerts force against the resistance band. Depending on the user and how the resistance band is tied to the bar of the dumbbell, there could be additional safety hazards that are created by the device.

As such, there is a need to improve upon the prior art to create an exercise device that combines the strength training provided by dumbbells with the resistance training provided by resistance bands into a simple device that is user-friendly, safe, relatively inexpensive, easy to store and transport, and adaptable to each user as they progress in their training. The exercise device would provide for a new type of resistance that develops lean muscle mass. The device would allow for a combination of two types of resistance; the first of which is a hand held adjustable weight (constant resistance) and the second of which is a stretch cable or resistance band (increasing resistance).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features, in a first embodiment, a dumbbell resistance device that includes a generally U-shaped member that is coupled to a handle portion. The handle portion is coupled to two open legs of the U-shaped member. A mounting location for a resistance band, for example, is located approximately at the mid-point of the U. A handle cover covers the handle portion.

In this first embodiment of the present invention, the handle portion slides through a connection region of a first upper end of the U-shaped member and into a mounting location on the opposite second upper end of the U-shaped member. An attachment device may be used to secure the U-shaped member and handle portion into a fixed position.

A pair of weights is attachable and detachable to a receiver portion located on outer sides of the U-shaped member. The weights can be of varying amounts and varying shapes. The connection of the weights to the U-shaped member is preferably a bayonet connection or another suitable connection means.

The U-shaped member further features a resistance band attachment location at the bottom or mid-point of the U-shaped member. The resistance band attachment location may be an opening or hole through the U-shaped member. The opening is capable of accepting attachment of a resistance band attachment mechanism, such as a hook, clip, or other attachment mechanism. The resistance band attachment mechanism is attached to a resistance band. The resistance band can be of any resistance, depending on the preference of the user.

The U-shaped member is coupled to the handle portion in an essentially rigid structure and the handle cover is allowed to rotate freely from the combination of the U-shaped member and handle portion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the handle cover may be of a cushioning type of material and be capable of swiveling an entire 360 degrees around the handle portion.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the handle cover features a rubberized coating or similar material that aids in the gripping of the device. The handle cover may provide cushioning to the user or the handle cover may have some tackiness to facilitate a better grip.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the dumbbell resistance device will be crafted from a material such as steel, aluminum, plastic, composite materials or the like.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an exercise device comprises a resistance band retaining member that includes two open legs on a first end and a mounting location at a second end; a handle portion fixably coupled to the two open legs of the resistance band retaining member; and a resistance band coupled to the mounting location of the resistance band retaining member. The exercise device may further include a handle cover surrounding at least a portion of the handle portion. The handle cover may feature a rubberized coating or similar material that aids in the gripping of the device. The handle cover may also feature cushioning. The exercise device may further include a pair of weights, wherein a first weight is releasably coupled to a first leg of the resistance band retaining member and a second weight is releasably coupled to a second leg of the resistance band retaining member.

In another preferred embodiment, the exercise device may include a first connector portion located on a first leg and a second connector portion located on a second leg, wherein an attachment device is configured to secure the resistance band to both the first connector portion and the second connector portion. In this embodiment, the attachment device of the resistance band is selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop, a clip, a clasp and a bolt snap.

The exercise device may be manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, plastic or composite materials. The resistance band may feature a first end that is configured to attach to the resistance band retaining member and a second end that is configured to attach to an object. The attachment device of the resistance band may feature a first connector device and a second connector device, wherein the first connector device is configured to attach to the first connector portion and the second connector device is configured to attach to the second connector portion.

It is important to note that the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated objects or features of the invention. It is also important to note that the present invention is not limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1. is a perspective view of a dumbbell resistance device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dumbbell resistance device according to a first embodiment t of the invention shown in a deconstructed format;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dumbbell resistance device according to a first embodiment of the present invention with one weight detached showing the bayonet attachment method;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dumbbell resistance device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the dumbbell resistance device according to a second embodiment of the present invention with an attached resistance band.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features, in a first embodiment, a dumbbell resistance device 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, including a U-shaped member 20 and a handle portion 12. In this embodiment, the handle portion slides through a first handle opening 28 located on a first upper side of the U-shaped member and at least partially enters a second handle opening 30 located on a second upper side of the U-shaped member 20. The first handle opening 28 and the second handle opening 30 are located at opposite ends of the upper portions of the U-shaped member 20.

The combination of the first handle opening 28 and the second handle opening 30 provides support for holding the handle portion 12 and prevents the handle portion 12 from rotating. The second handle opening 30 may include a “D” shape.

An attachment device 18 couples with one end of the handle portion 12 closest to the second handle opening 28, which further secures the handle portion. Once the attachment device 18 is connected, the handle portion 12 and U-shaped member 20 form a substantially rigid unit, whereby the handle portion 12 cannot move independently from the U-shaped member 20. The attachment device 18 may be a screw, a bolt, a pin, or another fastener.

The handle portion 12 is preferably covered with a handle cover 14, which is designed to move independently of the handle portion 12. Preferably, the handle cover 14 almost entirely surrounds the handle portion 12 and the handle cover 14 and the handle portion 12 operate independently of one another. The handle cover 14 may be partially or fully covered by a gripping material, which may include a soft feel paint, a rubberized coating, foam or similar material that aids the user in holding the device.

As an example, the handle cover 14 may consist of an ABS hard plastic, which is then over molded with a soft plastic in order to provide a rubbery, easy to grip material. Additionally, the handle cover may provide cushioning to the user or the handle cover may have some tackiness to facilitate a better grip. The U-shaped member 20 and handle portion 12 are preferably constructed at least partially from steel but other materials such as aluminum, plastic, or composite materials are contemplated and within the scope of the invention. Preferably the steel is machined steel with a sand blasted texture and a clear coat. Other materials are within the scope of the present invention.

The U-shaped member also features a resistance band attachment region or element 32 at the bottom of the U portion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the resistance band attachment region 32 features an opening 22 or multiple openings. The opening preferably features an oval or rectangular shape with an attachment bar 44 running across the middle, which allows for attachment of a resistance band attachment mechanism 26. The resistance band attachment mechanism 26 may be a hook, clasp, bolt snap, clip, spring clasp, or any other suitable attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism 26 is also connected to a stretch band or resistance band 24. The attachment mechanism 26 preferably features a rounded bottom and rotating attachment, which allows the resistance band 24 to rotate freely and prevents binding.

When the resistance band 24 and attachment mechanism 26 are attached to the U-shaped member 20, the resistance band 24 is allowed to pivot. The resistance band 24 can be of any strength, length and color. Other similar or equivalent means of attaching the attachment mechanism 26 to the resistance band attachment location 32 of the U-shaped member 20 are contemplated and within the scope of the current invention.

The dumbbell resistance device 10 is further outfitted with a pair of interchangeable dumbbell heads or weights 16. The weights 16 can be attached and detached as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The weights preferably come in varying weights that allow a user to increase or decrease the weight based on user preference as the user progresses through a training program. As an example, the weights 16 may come in the following increments, 31 b, 41 b, 51 b, 5.51 b, 6.51 b, and 81 b. Preferably the weights 16 are labeled with the corresponding weight number in order to make it easier for the user to select the appropriate weight. It is within the scope of this invention that the weights 16 could be heavier or lighter that the listed weights or could be designated in grams or another measurement quantity. Additionally, the dumbbell resistance device 10 could be utilized without the addition of weights 16.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped member 20 may have its own substantial and predetermined weight, independent of the weight of the weights 16. For example, the U-shaped member may weigh 3 lbs or another weight. The weight of the U-shaped member 20 may be used in conjunction with the pair of weights 16 or may be used independent of any weights.

The weights 16 are attached to the upper outer portions of the U-shaped member 20. A first weight is attached to a first receiver portion 40, which is located at the entrance of the first handle opening 28 and a second weight is attached to a second receiver portion 40 located proximate the second handle opening 30. The weights 16 are attached using a method that allows for both positive connection between the weights 16 and the dumbbell device 10 while also allowing for simple removal and replacement of the weights. Preferably, the weights are attached using a bayonet mount. In this method, the weight is outfitted with a protruding portion 38 that has two indentations 34 coupled to a circular member 46 in the protruding portion 38.

The receiver portions 40 of the U-shaped member 20 are provided with two corresponding protruding tabs 36. The tabs 36 interlock with and fit into the corresponding protruding indentations 34 and allow the weight 16 to twist and lock onto the u-shaped member 20. The weight 16 can be partially rotated in a first direction in order to lock the weight 16 in place and then, similarly, the weight 16 can be removed by a partial rotation in a second, equal and opposite direction. A gentle pull removes the weight 16 from the U-shaped member 20. No tools or specialized motions are required to attach or remove the weights 16. Additionally, a spring (not shown) may be present within an indentation 42 of the protruding portion 38 of the weight 16, which provides force to lock the weight 16 in place. Other methods of attaching and removing the weights 16 are within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, it is within the scope of the invention that the weights 16 may be permanently attached to the U-shaped member 20.

The combination of the handle portion 12, U-shaped member 20, pair of weights 16 and handle cover 14 creates a unique dumbbell shaped apparatus that keeps the same resistance throughout the entire movement. The addition of the resistance band 24 to the U-shaped member provides for an increasing and decreasing resistance as the user pulls and releases the resistance band 24. The resistance band 24 becomes more difficult to pull/push the further it is stretched by the user. By using the weighted dumbbell shaped apparatus in conjunction with the resistance band 24, a novel dumbbell resistance device 10 is created. A user is able to add intensity to traditional exercises, which is beneficial to a user who wants to increase the intensity of an exercise without necessarily increasing the weight during that exercise.

In another (and preferred) embodiment of the present invention, the dumbbell resistance device 100, FIGS. 4 and 5, includes a resistance band retaining member 102 and a handle portion 104. The resistance band retaining member 102 features a first connector portion 106 and a second connector portion 108. Each connector portion 106/108 features a resistance band attachment location 110.

A resistance band 112 includes an attachment device 114 located at a first end 120 of the resistance band 112. The attachment device 114 features a first connector member 116 and a second connector member 118. The first connector member 116 is configured to attach to the first connector portion 106 of the resistance band retaining member 102, while the second connector member 118 is configured to attach to the second connector portion 108 of the resistance band retaining member 102. The first and second connector members 116/118 are preferably straps or webs.

The attachment between the connector member 116/118 and the connector portion 106/108 can be a hook and loop fastener, clasp, or any other attachment means. Additional features of the dumbbell resistance device 100 are similar to the dumbbell resistance device 10 already described above, such as removable and interchangeable weights, a handle cover, and other previously discussed features.

The resistance band 112 also features a second end 122. The second end 122 may feature an attachment device 114 (as shown in FIG. 5) or may alternatively feature a similar attachment mechanism. The attachment device 114 located at the second end 122 of the resistance band 112 is capable of attaching to a second dumbbell resistance device 100, to a stationary object, or to a body portion of a user.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel weight-training device having removable weights and a resistance band attachment region. The weight-training device allows a user a multiplicity of adjustable methods of configuring the device to achieve many different weight-training methods to achieve multiple training and exercise goals.

Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 

1. An exercise device, comprising: a handle portion including a resistance band retaining member; a handle cover surrounding at least a portion of the handle portion; a pair of weights, coupled to the handle portion, wherein a first weight is removably coupled to a first end of the handle portion and a second weight is removably coupled to a second end of the handle portion; and a resistance band having a first end coupled to the resistance band retaining member.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the pair of weights are selectable from a plurality of weights of varying amounts and varying shapes.
 3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the pair of weights are coupled to the handle portioned member via a bayonet connection.
 4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the handle cover is configured to rotate an entire 360 degrees around the handle portion.
 5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the handle cover features a rubberized coating or similar material that aids in the gripping of the device.
 6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the handle cover includes cushioning.
 7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the exercise device is constructed from one or more of the following list of materials consisting of: steel, aluminum, plastic and composite materials.
 8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the resistance band attachment location features an opening and wherein the resistance band attachment mechanism includes one of a hook, clasp, bolt snap, clip or spring clasp.
 9. An exercise device, comprising: a resistance band retaining member that includes two open legs on a first end and a mounting location at a second end; a handle portion fixably coupled to the two open legs of the resistance band retaining member; and a resistance band coupled to the mounting location of the resistance band retaining member.
 10. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the exercise device further includes a handle cover surrounding at least a portion of the handle portion.
 11. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the exercise device further includes a pair of weights, wherein a first weight is releasably coupled to a first leg of the resistance band retaining member and a second weight is releasably coupled to a second leg of the resistance band retaining member.
 12. The exercise device of claim 9, further including a first connector portion located on a first leg and a second connector portion located on a second leg, wherein an attachment device is configured to secure the resistance band to both the first connector portion and the second connector portion.
 13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the attachment device of the resistance band is selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop, a clip, a clasp and a bolt snap.
 14. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the handle cover features a rubberized coating or similar material that aids in the gripping of the device.
 15. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the handle cover includes cushioning.
 16. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the exercise device is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, plastic or composite materials.
 17. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the resistance band features a first end that is configured to attach to the resistance band retaining member and a second end that is configured to attach to an object.
 18. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the attachment device of the resistance band features a first connector device and a second connector device, wherein the first connector device is configured to attach to the first connector portion and the second connector device is configured to attach to the second connector portion. 